Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has dismissed claims that Kenya is not ready to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) set for August 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 26, Mvurya clarified that the ongoing Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection tour is a routine exercise aimed at evaluating infrastructure, security, accommodation, and general preparedness.
“We had a meeting on Friday with CAF officials because it is standard procedure for them to conduct periodic inspections until the final day in July. We reaffirmed that Kenya is fully prepared to host CHAN,” said Mvurya.
The CS reaffirmed that the government remains committed to implementing all recommendations in the CAF inspection report. He added that the inspection should not be mistaken as a sign of disorganisation or delay.
Speaking during the official handover of the Raila Odinga Stadium to the National Celebrations Committee, Mvurya urged the public to ignore misinformation about the country’s readiness, noting that major preparations were progressing as planned.
“We have invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades, including Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, and we have already paid the Ksh1.6 billion hosting fee,” he stated.
Mvurya further emphasized that Kenya will deliver a historic and successful CHAN tournament, in line with CAF standards.
On April 24, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi also assured lawmakers that Kenya was on course to host both CHAN and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Appearing before the Committee on Regional Integration, Mwangi said the government is focused on delivering a memorable football experience that will showcase Kenya’s capacity to host international events. He also confirmed that the construction of the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City would be completed by December 2025.
CAF awarded the rights to host the 9th edition of CHAN and the 36th edition of AFCON to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania during its Executive Committee meeting on September 27, 2023.
